A team of environmental biologists has made a groundbreaking discovery about the impact of microplastics on mammal health. In a study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers found that mice consume only hours before consuming microplastics can reach their brains. The team used lab mice to test the effects of different sizes of microplastics, from microscopic to nano-scale.
The experiment involved feeding the mice water with fluorescent plastic particles and tracking their movement through the body using two-photon microscopy. They also installed tiny windows in the mice’s skulls to study the plastic’s journey to the brain. The researchers observed that the plastics accumulated in certain areas of the brain, causing backups similar to traffic congestion.
Further analysis revealed that the immune cells in the brain captured the microplastics, leading to even more blockages. The team tested several mice and found significant impairments, including memory loss, reduced motor skills, and lower endurance.
While the study’s findings cannot be directly applied to humans due to differences between mouse and human anatomy, the researchers emphasize the need for further research. They conclude that microplastics can cause damage to the brain by causing cell obstruction and leading to neurobehavioral abnormalities.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-01-microplastics-brains-mice-hours-consumption.html